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Always Perseveres

Here we are, we have persevered. If you have stayed with me the entire series, we find ourselves today at the final quality of love that Paul outlines in 1 Corinthians 13. And what is this final quality that Paul leaves us with?

“Always Perseveres”

Most of us think of an athletic accomplishment like a race when we hear the word persevere. Just for reference sake, I looked up the definition for persevere and it is as follows:

steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state,etc., esp. in
spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

There you have it. Post done. What’s next? All kidding aside, the definition of perseverance leaves us little room for confusion on what we are to do with this crazy little thing called love. Stay the course. Fight the fight. Push through the obstacles. No matter the difficulties, work to see another day. Need examples?

I think of my Dad and how he stayed by my Moms side every step of her health battles. He fulfilled “in sickness and in health”. He walked her all the way home to Jesus. Through it all, his love for her persevered.

I think of a friend that did all he could to save his marriage. Counseling, reconciliation, change, submission, brokenness and yet the marriage ended. Today he has found new love, is re-married and they are expecting their first child. While he tried desperately to save his first marriage and persevered through waters none of us would ever want to face, today he is a man very much in love with his new bride.

I think of our dear friends that have a special needs child. Their marriage perseveres through the hard times. He loves his daughter as if she was his own. They have become a light in the community for the disability their child has.

I think of another friend that lost her husband to cancer. He battled and their marriage persevered in the chaos and pain. Today she raises three children with unbelievable strength. She has accomplished things she never thought she could do on her own. While Jesus called our friend home long before any of us would have wished, she perseveres with their love in her memory and unshakeable love for her children.

The list could go on and on. Many of you have persevered. Maybe this glimpse in the love chapter has reminded you of what it means to love someone or someones. By building on each quality of love, we learn to trust, to put away our pride, to not be rude, to not be self seeking and that

I know it’s been a long time since you heard from me in blogland,(I like that term better than blogoshpere) I have been around in spirit. Thanks for persevering! It’s individuals like yourself that keep the rest of us aware of our shortcomings. I am blessed to have interacted with you in the past, and will continue to as long as I am breathing. I consider you a friend and a Brother In Christ.

This piece reminded me of Stef from the beginning. I will never forget him. He was trying to rally behind me just a few days before he passed. That’s the spirit I need, maybe we all need.

On a personal note, I just went through a divorce myself. I went through all the emotions and struggles you described. On the other side, interestingly enough, I feel blessed by the experience and have great hope for the future.

So good to hear from you. Very sorry to hear about your recent journey but I know you are a man that gave all you had to persevere. I appreciate you reaching out and making contact. I wish you nothing but joy and strength for this next phase of your life. I will forever believe that AC180 was a providential gift from God to each one of those that contributed. It was no coincidence that this band of brothers was formed prior to the road that Stef had to travel. You all will never know the strength and support you gave him during his battle with cancer. Based on what I have heard from many of you, he did the same for you. I know he did for me as well. I too look forward to crossing paths with you with greater frequency. Until then…

17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”